September 16, 2008 - The ALPA-led fight to keep DHL from shutting down
ASTAR Air Cargo and ABX by handing its flying over to competitor UPS is
gathering steam, at least in the halls of Congress.

ALPA President Capt. John Prater testified before
the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Tuesday to urge the
committee to examine the DHL/UPS proposal before it is consummated. His
testimony came one week after a hearing held by the House Judiciary committee,
where Prater also appeared.

Nearly 50 ALPA pilots from ASTAR and other
carriers joined members of Congress, Ohio’s lieutenant governor and Capt. Prater
at a press conference held before the hearing.

Members of Congress have echoed ALPA’s calls for
DHL and UPS to refrain from consummating the deal until relevant committees and
the Department of Justice can study it for its possible anti-trust violations.
The companies have also been urged to waive all confidentiality provisions in
connection to the proposal.